First week of the #vegwhole30 challenge down! My adherence hasn’t been perfect but I am proud of the progress I’ve made – seven days of no dairy, wheat, sugar, or junk food! Some things I’ve noticed:

Reducing carbs makes it easier not to overeat at meals. It also helps to avoid snacking and emotional eating. I am eating when I am hungry to feed my body, rather than to soothe my emotions.

I am more in tune with my hunger signals. I like fruits and vegetables, but not enough to overeat on them! I am leaving meals with my hunger satisfied but not feeling stuffed.

Social events are harder: I have been planning ahead for social events that mean eating outside of my home. Admittedly, it is tough watching others enjoy foods that I am choosing to abstain from now! It definitely helps to check the menu ahead of time before eating out, or bringing along my own food to family events.

By eliminating most easy carbs, I am choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables. I am easily getting the recommended five servings a day, if not more.

I do not want to eat like this forever. I do not want to back to the way I used to eat either.

My husband is enjoying me cooking every night, especially as I am on a quest to make the best-tasting Whole 30 compliant meals! I want my meals to be satisfying, not to feel like I’m depriving myself.

I am anxious about going back to work in a few days. I spent a great deal of time last week cooking and I know I’m just not going to have the time or energy to continue to do that. I am also anxious about the near-constant easy accessibility of candy and other treats at work.

I have not been experiencing the negative symptoms described in the Whole30 Timeline; I had a bit of a headache on the second day but beyond that my energy levels have been normal. I am having some diarrhea; I was hoping this would pass with the elimination of dairy. 😦

Baked Kale Chips from All Recipes – Seriously, I never knew kale chips were so good! My husband and I devoured an entire bunch of kale in minutes! I generally avoid using the oven in the summer because it heats up the kitchen so much but this was totally worth it!